Flint judge disqualifies himself from hearing case of former sheriff's lieutenant accused of sexual assault

FLINT, MI -- A Flint District Court judge has disqualified himself from hearing the case
of a former Genesee County sheriff's lieutenant accused of sexually assaulting
a female deputy.

Flint District Judge Nathaniel Perry III disqualified himself
Friday, Nov. 1, from hearing the case of Michael Chatterson. Perry said he could potentially be a witness in the case.

Perry ruled that he would disqualify himself from hearing
the case after he was interviewed by a sheriff's lieutenant conducting an
internal investigation into a second deputy at the sheriff's department.

Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell declined to comment
on whether Perry was interviewed, citing an ongoing investigation.

Chatterson, who oversaw the sheriff's paramedic program,
is charged with one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and three
counts of stalking following
an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Department.

Chatterson's attorney, Frank J. Manley, said the court proceedings may have to start from the
beginning following Perry's disqualification.

The case has been reassigned to Flint District Judge
Herman Marable. No new court date is scheduled.